Energy Observer – the world’s first hydrogen-powered, zero-emission vessel – sails on Sai Gon River. (Photo: Toyota)Arriving in the Vietnamese southern hub on June 22, the crew plans to present the ship's autonomous zero-emission systemto several hundred visitors, decision-makers, students and school children incollaboration with the French Consulate in the city.
Setting sail from its port of registry of Saint Malo in2017, Energy Observer has already covered over 50,000 nautical miles, made 72stopovers, 16 of which have been with its travelling pedagogical village, andvisited over 40 countries.
Born out of a legendary catamaran whose many accoladesinclude being the fastest sailboat around the world with Sir Peter Blake,Energy Observer is a laboratory for ecological transition designed to push theenvelope concerning zero-emission technologies.
From hydrogen to sun, wind, and tidal power, all solutionshave been experimented with, tested, and optimised to make clean energies apractical reality accessible to all.
Energy Observer is a laboratory for ecological transition designed to push the envelope concerning zero-emission technologies. (Photo: dantri.com.vn)In February 2021, the Vietnamese government released adraft of the country's national power development plan for 2021 to 2030. Theplan expands current wind and solar capacity and prioritises enhancing gridinfrastructure to ensure stable operation with a higher share of renewables.
Currently, more than half of the country's electricitygeneration comes from coal, and about 20% from hydroelectric generation. Otherrenewable sources account for 5% of Vietnam's electricity. This share ofnon-hydro renewables is expected to reach 25% by 2030, and up to 42% by 2045./.
VNA
